NPR's Comedian PAULA POUNDSTONE September 10, 2010

The Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT is proud to welcome comedian Paula Poundstone for the 3rd Annual Stand Up for Homes with Hope on Friday, September 10th. All the proceeds from the evening go to support the programs and services for the homeless and those at-risk of homelessness operated by homes with Hope.

It’s impossible to attend a Paula Poundstone performance without marveling at her ability to interact spontaneously with audience members in conversations bound to garner riotous laughter. Armed with nothing but a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Paula’s ability to create humor on the spot has become the stuff of legend. Little wonder people leave Paula’s shows debating whether the random people she talked to were “plants” – which, of course they never are, and complaining that their cheeks hurt from laughter.

Paula continues to be the National Spokesperson for (ALTAFF), The Association of Library Trustees Advocates Friends & Foundations, a national network of enthusiastic library supporters. ALTAFF believes in the importance of libraries as the social and intellectual centers of communities and campuses. Paula is supporting libraries on a local level by partnering with promoters and the local Friends organization in cities where she performs. In most markets the local Friends group receives tickets for use in fundraising or promotion as well as a portion of the book and CD sales after her performance where she makes herself available for signings. Says Poundstone: “It’s funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women. The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed. If you haven’t been to your library lately, you’re over-due.” Paula is pleased to partner with the ALTAFF supporters of the Friends of Westport Public Libraries who will sell Paula’s book for which they will receive 100% of the proceeds, and participate in other fund-raising activities. Paula will make herself available for a book signing after the show. The Friends of Westport Public Libraries address is 20 Jesup Rd. Westport, CT 06880.
For more information call 203-291-4818

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Poundstone's razor-sharp wit makes her a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR’s popular weekly news quiz show, “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me.” (2008 winner of the prestigious Peabody Award for broadcasting excellence) Her first book, "There’s Nothing in This Book That I Meant to Say," (with foreword by Mary Tyler Moore) is out in paperback and on (Highbridge) audio after a year of successful sales. Paula is hard at work on her second tomb for the same imprint. (Harmony Books, a division of Random House) Paula’s commentaries have been heard on NPR’s “Morning Edition” and her blogs appear in the Huffington Post, and 23/6, as well as the NPR Opinion Page. Awards and distinctions: First woman to perform at the White House correspondent’s dinner; first woman to win a cable ACE for Best Standup Comedy Performance. Paula is also an Emmy and Ace Award winner for Best Program Interviewer. TV appearances include several standup comedy specials (HBO, and Bravo), her own show on HBO and ABC, and all the major talk shows. In 2010 Paula was invited to serve as judge in the humor category of this year's Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards are the largest, longest running recognition and scholarship program for teenage artists & writers. Paula has been recognized as one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand ups of all time! Poundstone also released her first comedy CD: I HEART JOKES: Paula Tells Them In Maine, 60 minutes of hilarious comedy recorded live at the sensational Stone Mountain Arts Center – because as Paula says, “It’s very hard to do it any other way.”

Showtime: 9:00PM Tickets: $45 & $100 visit www.hwhct.org or call: 203-226-3426
The Levitt Pavilion is located at 40 Jesup Road Westport, CT 06880

Official Website: http://levittpavilion.com